Family trip in Jutland and the islands Denmark in private houses

When you look at a map, Denmark is just a tiny little piece of northern Europe. Barely 63,000 km² (24,000 square miles), Denmark is often (wrongly) reduced to Copenhagen and its Little Mermaid. That is out of the question here. This three-part journey will be green or not at all. Green and island based. And free, very free, because we believe in the initiatory power of the road trip and the virtues of improvisation. The same approach applies to accommodation: at each stop, you stay in your own house, with independence and warm comfort as the key. The main itinerary is mapped out; you are then free to digress, take side roads, and explore as your wishes and inspiration take you. Freshly arrived in Billund, you head north by road to the far reaches of Jutland: welcome to Skagen,  opposite the Swedish city of Gothenburg, set on the other side of the Kattegat. There is nowhere more Nordic in Denmark. Or more inspiring. At least, that’s the opinion of the “Skagensmalerne”, a colony of artists who, as early as the 19th century, saw in these lands battered by the elements a privileged place for a holiday retreat. The wild surroundings provide a wonderful setting for family adventures: set out to conquer the gigantic Råjberg Mile dune, a mountain of sand that moves several metres each year! It’s a fantastic vantage point to admire the surroundings, with their disconcerting, lunar-like appearance. There is also this quirky church, gradually being buried by sand, of which only the bell tower can now be seen. Next, head to Esbjerg, on the west coast of Jutland. From there, it’s easy to reach Ribe, the oldest town in the country, as well as the island of Rømø, renowned for its wildlife. An opportunity to pay a little visit to the idle and playful seals as they lounge on the sandbanks. Not to mention the island of Fanø, in the Wadden Sea National Park, with its fishing villages of narrow streets and old houses surrounded by fine sandy beaches, dunes, heathland and pine forests. The trip concludes with three days on Lolland Island, the fourth largest island in Denmark, a very convenient springboard for visiting the neighbouring islets of Langeland and Møn. A rare hilly region of the country, whose turquoise waters have earned it the nickname the “cold Caribbean”. Against a backdrop of pebble coves and immaculate cliffs, wild ponies gallop with their manes flowing in the wind.

Your journey

Keeping the children in suspense in the back seat for ten days - now that’s quite a challenge. One that’s easily overcome when every journey is a little trip in itself. And whether you are on the country roads of Jutland or those of the neighbouring islands, there is no boredom in sight - only excitement and, here and there, beautiful moments of contemplation. Especially as the journeys are relatively short and easy, and there are numerous opportunities to stop along the way. In addition to a rental car,enjoy a carefully selected set of our recommendations. The stop-offs have been chosen for their exceptional natural surroundings, allowing for beautiful walks and explorations suitable for all ages, watching wildlife, and numerous outdoor activities. We have also included several highlights in your itinerary,tailored to each place you visit: a walking tour of Skagen with a private guide, a marine “safari” to watch the seals near Ribe, and a horseback ride on the island of Møn. We also take care of reserving your table at some of the region’s finest restaurants. As for anything we cannot anticipate - minor hiccups or last-minute wishes - these will be handled in real time by our on-site Concierge service. 

Your private houses

In Skagen,
You are now the happy temporary owners of a delightful black wooden house with white windows, topped with a traditional thatched roof. A true storybook cottage! From its perch - it sits atop a hill - it overlooks a delightful little beach on the North Sea. The interiors have that timeless charm of the Danish seaside style, with paintings and wooden furniture. The large table welcomes delightful moments of togetherness. The deer that occasionally wander into the garden gracefully embody the resilience of nature in these wild lands.

In Esbjerg
On the west coast, your house is almost on the sand. It is located about 40 metres (130 feet) from the beach, and this is reflected in the decor. White, wood, a touch of blue, and plenty of restraint - Scandinavian dictates. With a cosy lounge and sizeable terrace, the spaces have been designed for families and shared moments. And because the villa is part of a hotel, you also benefit from all the establishment’s services, including the two restaurants and the spa. The best of both worlds.

On Lolland Island
Just outside the small town of Søllested, you will stay in an old farmhouse dating from the late 18th century, surrounded by gardens, forests and fields as far as the eye can see. A lush and peaceful setting that perfectly suits this white building with traditional architecture and a thatched roof. Inside, however, everything is highly contemporary. Danish minimalism and aesthetics blend beautifully with the old beams. The spaces are perfectly laid out, making it easy to organise daily life and cook with local products - unless you prefer to take your inspiration from the very good neighbouring restaurants.